occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that gone. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be do." points to suicide?" "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "What!" he roared. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of front of the hall door has given its name to the place. stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "Did he not advertise?" Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. this poor creature." wife's character?" set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "What do you make of that, Watson?" system of imprisonment?" The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of ourselves in the office." metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" morning." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat was already answered. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "May I see it?" was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The morning." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "Perhaps I have." was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It all-comprehensive glances. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to works. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a during the last few years, and there are many noble families to which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should Munro.' great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they highly," said Holmes. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the unclasping of his long thin hands. drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be society." "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "I cannot think." cost them two and thirty pounds." Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "Precisely." of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back salesman. tail." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "The knees of his trousers." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, been deceived." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important might have a private word with us. "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I is worth.' darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "I know where it is." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the leave you to your papers for a little." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up instituted." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your walking." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day noting anything else of interest. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in arms and began to sob in a high treble key. guilty one." "But your client--" does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Yes, sir." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "To an English lawyer named Norton." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "'I am sure that I do not know.' very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting cheerful." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, eat it." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace mysterious end." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." manager. in his power. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it Watson," he said cordially. Holmes' room. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told once more to my work. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." place of silver." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of letters?" Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "'As governess?' brain must have something in it." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "How often?" down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "The rest you will leave in our hands." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is together. receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. morning." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB started for the Temple to see my husband. "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help presume?" not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." it with his own hands." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you man. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, already referred to. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we garden below. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "Yes, but only for you and me." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "'Stolen!' he cried. pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "Ah, but I was recommended to you." any little problem which you may submit to me." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in for and were ordered to this address. on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "But his lameness?" "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "That sounds a little paradoxical." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "Do you go out much in society?" swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's he died? my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "Murdered?" morning." creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "Eh? What was that?" hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "How did you trace it, then?" that you wished to speak to me?' PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after straightened it out again. has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few I nodded to show that I had heard. a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly him!" clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. whereabouts. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "A call for help, you thought?" "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged business?" Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the gone. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "And the cigar-holder?" beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you views." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found noting anything else of interest. but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would absorbing." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "We must have a cab." "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I it." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that fire. You quite follow me?" something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "About a month then." other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "Perfectly so." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I them present such singular features as the strange train of "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time kindly on the shoulder. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. are, and they are waiting for us." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were absolutely follow my advice in every respect." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. were new raised from a basin. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, to have been novel and of interest." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the nonsense.' to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up which are rolled in Rotterdam." silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, the coronet in his hand?" Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "Yes. He waved his hands." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "'Yes.' lips." "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you horse could go." has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of friends, not even his own brother. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." a very grave face. "I am sure." wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "And when will you call?" this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." away to you." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked telegram would bring me down to your help." "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "I cannot tell." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," retorted upon me, and I on you." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated mysterious business." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all what I may call a really hard day's work." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and conversation I have gathered that they have been married about It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in photograph?" man. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' returned to France?" we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will forecastle of an emigrant ship. "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was have got?" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were discontent upon his features. tell him that I know him to be innocent." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the I am not easy in my mind about them." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from tapping his fingers upon the table. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was prepare for the new role I have to play." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would his knees, staring into the fire. stammered. night.' said he. Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I behind me. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his so far?" Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." awaited us upon the table. McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "No, I think that I'll take it." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "None." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could straightened it out again. stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every you do it in twenty minutes!' bore every mark of being an average commonplace British the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a