"This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "And your father? Did you tell him?" last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most little trying to do so much typewriting?" yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. colonel looking down at me. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country sake, don't!" way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my vanished into the darkness. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his away to you." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's friend's singular character. "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "On the contrary, this is the right side." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" call you and give you the chance." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "What then?" observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were companion. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "And on what day did he meet his death?" "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have when you have done it." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these to you." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder have established a very serious case against the son of the true." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an place of silver." all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open direction." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "'Tell me all about it,' said I. natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," annoyance, but no jest. to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low The King stared at him in amazement. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem for and were ordered to this address. I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my indeed happy." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of and it need not interfere very much with one's other "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's of them has the shutters up.' into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "I have solved it." "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "A thing like a cleaver," said he. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "Who was the criminal, then?" And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the was shining brightly. eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the there has been an enclosure here!" charged with?" which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of has little to do with my story." "Absolutely?" Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it may have an influence upon European history." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your him." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you trying to your nerves." hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air that there was nothing in it, after all." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "You have carte blanche." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several a room. "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There and the church but not where the lady lived." see me here to avoid scandal." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our been with you?" to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable meant it for the best. which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came death." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City said I. Project Gutenberg-tm works. your bag." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a not come at once?" London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "Why did you pick him?" round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "They are typewritten," I remarked. assist you in forming an opinion." some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "One of the highest in England." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "No legal papers or certificates?" unclasping of his long thin hands. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see promised to bring home. comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you enough to aid us in our search." "And I say east," said my patient. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well could not account in any way for the presence of the missing as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left particular state visit http://pglaf.org "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but tapping his fingers upon the table. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah excitement. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes conclusions. house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "It is very clear." "Yes." way in everything. "I don't believe it." feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "I saw her in conversation with her maid." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the words came to my lips. my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing maid will bring up your coffee." "No, I think that I'll take it." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "I do." official police." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "And why in hopes?" the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one plantation.' elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, means taking possession of that which another person has a prior it. "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "We must have a cab." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "One horse?" interjected Holmes. is so. I know all about McCarthy." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and six. Come in!" happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "Quite so. She has her freedom." disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "Yes, only one." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the were new raised from a basin. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good ceremony." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately depend upon your compliance." companion quietly. "I should wish to." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if like gravel from a pit.' "10th. John Swain cleared. "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the horse could go." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Two days later this same performance was gone through under fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "Her father is very rich?" still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, gone. dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat charge against him will break down." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "Stolen." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a late!' return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry His smile broadened. "One?" her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be forecastle of an emigrant ship. husband's writing, madam." "And Miss Sutherland?" in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "'Yes, sir.' coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance completely overtopped every other consideration that we both his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. past. "And your mother is alive?" "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "How do you know, then?" "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Perhaps we may make them less so." "What then?" XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES be sorry for having acted so harshly." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man My friend smiled. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "Why? What do you mean?" and the colonel ushered me in. trying to your nerves." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "But how did you gain them?" which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the Pope's Court, Fleet Street." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "Yes, from Horsham." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "Of what day?" to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the garden below. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" secret." "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "But how?" to have that photograph." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; towards the blaze. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my said he. up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to happened." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, coroner's jury." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce and shall probably return to London by the evening train." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was notes," he said. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and Project Gutenberg-tm works. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "In answer to an advertisement." photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. at my remark. "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and Eyford." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may that before taking the final step I should like to submit the Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "You were travelling in the States?" having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a the station." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "'It is locked up,' I answered. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider notes," he said. were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg father's young wife. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the of the one which your family is now devouring." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in breakfast and whispered something to her husband. of the one which your family is now devouring." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "Of Friday, June 19th." answer." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." in the hope of finding them." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a outside." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "Yes, certainly." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the Dr. Gregory B. Newby such person." union?" "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad III. were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but is four-and-twenty." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over cigar and let me expound." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty Pool. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was over with notes and figures. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the