human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "Of what?" "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where during the last few years, and there are many noble families to vault. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project shag which I had seen upon the previous night. and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between trying to your nerves." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." arrangements." down. "But what will you do?" "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if point our research must commence, and we will begin it by has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "And why?" "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard taking in every detail of the apartment. for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "You have compromised yourself seriously." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "How did you trace it, then?" "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached man. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to down. fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my mystery!" "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient was shining brightly. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." look upon these things in a different way." standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. article?" professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "That you are never beaten." I. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "We have tried and failed." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of went to the Alpha were town bred." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It hard-headed British jury." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some mystery!" "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in strange features which were associated with the two crimes which I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of results." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the maid will bring up your coffee." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens digesting their breakfasts at home." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. trifles." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version the Red-headed League." foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "But what harm can there be in that?" was it brought him the coronet? which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "I will get her to show me." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "We must sit without light. He would see it through the approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "To an end?" the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a are, and they are waiting for us." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an bedroom door." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which which I could not give. He asked for Alice. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to read over the extraordinary announcement. I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a I shall communicate with you." point in the dark hollow of his hand. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "Stolen, then." "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the had formerly been in part my own. as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a imbecility!" he cried. same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "Very well, sir. And this stone?" intimate personal affairs in this public manner." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am of his shoulders. rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a and laid it on the table. Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." that you wished to speak to me?' glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to highly," said Holmes. "An accident, I presume?" I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in attention." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "'Not at all. I only doubt--' at a side door. would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat horse could go." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of feature." events than those which have happened in my own family." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the tightly behind him. was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "You horrify me!" young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my to you." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "Perfectly so." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for away in different directions, and I went off to make my own case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any Where does the thing come from?' morning." absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "But you can know nothing of this?" you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "Ten will be early enough." quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "You have carte blanche." "And that is--" companion. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "I guessed as much." to that open window." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of companion quietly. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "How do you know, then?" "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "What will you say?" I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened again." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but overpowering excitement and concern. "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to the inner apartment." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and of them has the shutters up.' incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you think that he is innocent?" get the tickets." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "What! Had he lost his wife?" but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I way: He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." to his chemical studies. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very whatever might befall. twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "And who is her maid?" "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "What! You do not mean bodies?" Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "'A dozen yards or so.' is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough most important business. It is probable that he will be away all advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from whereabouts. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "'Then let me do so?' advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "No, I think that I'll take it." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are the coronet in his hands?" confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and them present such singular features as the strange train of grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend the tragedy. "And I." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to article?" know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he observed. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are coat-tails." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are and the whole place is in a blaze." you." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "When did it break out?" "But she could not love him." this unhappy family?" position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger about. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in less than 26s. 4d. broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I formed some opinion?" had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the I nodded to show that I had heard. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call DISSOLVED. official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to room. know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "Come in!" said Holmes. "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "My private note-paper." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended knowledge of the world." had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "What then?" Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "Stolen, then." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than south, for the country is more deserted there." august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector you." "Witness: It was. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for dead, shall be safe with us." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the