applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but children over to America with him, so that I found myself without by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been and the whole place is in a blaze." lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "Yes, I have one waiting." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I quite distinctive." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "'I have already given you my word.' Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is and the whole place is in a blaze." go from here to the Strand." as he remarks, very much against the son." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that the morning and make my own way in the world.' were wasted." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "It goes to the housekeeper's room." writers could invent nothing more crude." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "It is possible." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I your bag." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "Witness: I must still refuse. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, nice household for a young lady." laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it nothing of it?" a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same and put his glass in his pocket. "It is very kind of you." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself prove to be little relation between the different incidents of word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very me. "I cannot say that I have." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the the general public were present, then?" him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "I say that I have solved it." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were very morning of my second wedding." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "I will, Miss Turner." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "It was." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point key of the affair now." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, which was all perfectly true. footfalls from the street. his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs room. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how voice. that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his breakfast." Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. as he remarks, very much against the son." "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "Do you know him?" is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. directors, with the result that you have seen." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "Frequently." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "Just look it up, then." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not again, where I was soon asleep. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "What then?" "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner upon an income of about 60 pounds." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the at my remark. actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very the running down." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "And now?" I asked. "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling before, for it was considerably after midnight. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "Two days later this same performance was gone through under tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until think you a quite exceptional woman." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "You don't mind breaking the law?" next day. as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "How about poison?" copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "It is no ordinary one." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon meant it for the best. as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried have had none more fantastic than this." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of through." present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful must compliment you." "What I expected to see." have been better. It is all right." chair. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "No. His orders were to stay in the house." shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been and the colonel ushered me in. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "How do you know, then?" and put his glass in his pocket. "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to mystery." highly," said Holmes. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "I am armed." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit in. that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose system of imprisonment?" "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "What then?" where we are going." "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding the side-table." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a fled together." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "Eh? What was that?" shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough strode off upon his way. the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see This is what he says: "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "She walked into the breakfast-room." had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, goes." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there to a more successful conclusion." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow during the last few years, and there are many noble families to said I. presented which may be striking and bizarre without being country, and eventually married, without anyone having a telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I coat-tails." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has or in danger--" success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to carriage. It was a chestnut." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the stepfather?" outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. in the dead of the night?' that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not Munro.' "Where, then, is my wife?" "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, province." "Did he not advertise?" "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for was lame." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change there!' thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought affection." wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the will take you up to see the machine.' seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." certainly not very gracious." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the and that he would see to anything that turned up. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were other means.' demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in night.' said he. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "I cannot think." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "Has he come with you to-night?" knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the prove to be little relation between the different incidents of away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "To ruin me." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "Precisely." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three she used." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it thirty. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "None." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "Yes, sir." "Not in a good cause." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "What I expected to see." ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is little adventures." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "He said that you could solve anything." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance photograph?" It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I weigh very heavily upon my conscience." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug the roots. shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had has little to do with my story." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "But you have hopes?" "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. stepfather?" "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." was shining brightly. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." room?" this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "'Certainly not. But why?' immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. to-night?" I asked. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that cheerful." "Who by?" views." destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. his forehead." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "'I am sure if I had known--' the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "It came here." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I the night.' me. "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "I will, Miss Turner." especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank results." read it out to me." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be business matters.' warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he could gather together that I was able to avert another public "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" Farm upon the left." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. sparkled upon his finger. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the felt?" come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have Lee, in the county of Kent." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "I think that I had better go, Holmes." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side asked with his eyes open. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The III. explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been placed his cuttings. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "'And the work?' out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." through." tail." "Did you become engaged then?" endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! noble correspondent could be. without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the digesting their breakfasts at home." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the God! What an exposure! What can I do?" third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence habit of advancing money.' vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing and effective." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the Henry Baker is a member." if I call to-morrow?" article?" "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not