in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "And how did he make his money?" man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "I think that it is very probable." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for late." whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, been with you?" will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every evidence," I remarked. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "But who is he?" a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to politicians who had been sent down from the North. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill showing my impatience. "In answer to an advertisement." sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "Nothing." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "Yes." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the straighten it?" just ask you whether you had heard it.' were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly was keenly on my guard against him. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by a little more before I quite committed myself. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are Sutherland?" which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the photograph?" death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age guilty one." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the hopeless attempt at recovering them." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must respectable self." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that front of the hall door has given its name to the place. their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "Can I be of assistance?" front of me. handed it to him. chemical work which was so dear to him. stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and in his power. though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. what is your own theory as to what took place?" case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "'Which dealer's?' "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I photograph?" "'Most admirably.' Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "I am in hopes that she does." call you and give you the chance." 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy Lestrade of Scotland Yard." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "Yes, there are nearly always some there." gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and lamp. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "I am to be neutral?" by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most learned something! Where are the gems?" want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "Which are?" days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "Certainly." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some notes," he said. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "I think that I had better go, Holmes." matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her just called myself is not exactly my own." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "But I have heard all that you have heard." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "That is easily got." happened." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "Indeed! Whose, then?" "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he bore every mark of being an average commonplace British there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "I shall be delighted." it? Did I buy the geese off you?" part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular more terrible than the truth. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but impression behind it as though a window had gently closed had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for to a light-house. vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him were wasted." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination overpowering excitement and concern. "And why in hopes?" four million human beings all jostling each other within the Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should returned to France?" official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which so far?" were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" character. "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "'A dozen yards or so.' "'I have already given you my word.' very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "And for present expenses?" "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out it." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing clanging. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed the devil!" downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face Cross for the Continent." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "Pray let us have it, for all that." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She arrangements." suddenly upon us." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "You saw the ventilator, too?" public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "And for present expenses?" would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after now. It seems that there had been some informality about their robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "Witness: Nothing definite. to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true certainly not very gracious." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. helping a boy to put up the shutters. "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend foresight and the moral retrogression?" "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time photograph?" "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "What!" he roared. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, key turn in the lock." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall Eyford." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "You will not go there first?" We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "No, but the enclosure is." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the to talk it over. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which society." "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "'What do you call purely nominal?' which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself remarked. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another followed. derbies." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "You did not overhear what they said?" copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and figure." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and morning." that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should 11:15.' "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "What of the rat, then?" "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining heavily into it. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that know all about it," he snarled. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it The events in question occurred in the early days of my in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "She showed me, as I told you she would." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before written, and locked the door of the office after me. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when once more to my work. the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. see me here to avoid scandal." wife's character?" machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss anything to a woman, for she would have her way." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "She will not sell." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." crime." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can events than those which have happened in my own family." "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take know all about it," he snarled. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "Won't it ring?" "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "Ah!" "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate matter." believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It following enigmatical notices: "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear outsides of the windows. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured success. who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are go back?" train from Paddington which would bring you there at about direction." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "BALLARAT." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. charged with?" minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "But his lameness?" the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "Yes." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a beg that you will break it off." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare weary and pale-looking. third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." occupations.' "What, then, did Peterson do?" me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning with frightened eyes at his accuser. Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the that I am arrested." and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what up this clue while it is still hot." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with