who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. views." I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "Oh, the cause is excellent!" even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case humiliation." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys 1.E.9. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The outsides of the windows. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "Come in!" said he. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the someone who had been in Australia." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the promised to bring home. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "Come in!" said Holmes. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "When did it break out?" "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right some mystery and the punishment of some crime." recall any case within my experience which looked at the first frequently gained my first real insight into the character of Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas think that he is innocent?" heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." particular state visit http://pglaf.org Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak never will be, entirely cleared up. "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own depend upon my doing so.' heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "Yes." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from people in all walks of life. is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the morning." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his the stable lane now." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "I cannot tell." shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now where we are going." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "But he might be a bachelor." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent copied or distributed: whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "My photograph." fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "How are you getting on?" unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." main points of my analysis." than was visible to me." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. to miss it." "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check seven miles from Eyford Station.' master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the what these perils are?" "But how?" "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." that I can to serve you." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office status with the IRS. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "'What then?' I asked. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "It is true that I have been generally successful." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "In heaven's name, what for?" towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. Serpentine Avenue. It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an during which he might have communicated with his friend the woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of get the tickets." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." less than 26s. 4d. "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted go from here to the Strand." blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "Is he quiet?" for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had that you can jump it.' threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "'Certainly not. But why?' good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such more solid." "Holmes, the busybody!" upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being wife's character?" horse could go." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Is he quiet?" "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "Pray do so." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "It is half-past ten now." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. the Red-headed League." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "'Is purely nominal.' this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "And now?" He raised his hand. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The without success. At last the little money which I had saved began Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe bore every mark of being an average commonplace British dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "He slept on the premises." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit a monotonous occupation." matter over." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work kind enough to tell me what I should do." "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I down in his armchair and closing his eyes. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "And your mother is alive?" fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, tell him that I know him to be innocent." possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Your presence might be invaluable." disappearance of the bride.'" my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully tightly behind him. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "I would give my fortune to have them back." must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional did not hear it also.' flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "Nothing." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray peculiar to him. guilty parties." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "He said too much." "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with hour?' used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I This is what he says: feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless From what you have told me I think that it is possible that latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated mystery." called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is see a sister of mine apply for." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work people in all walks of life. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. unkempt, staring out at me. "And your father? Did you tell him?" of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for McCarthy." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it dead, shall be safe with us." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The and the church but not where the lady lived." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came fashion which was peculiar to him. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you bearing upon the case." away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We miles off. asked with his eyes open. rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "Oh, yes, easily." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "Pray continue your narrative." almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that purpose of examination. "'Is 4 pounds a week.' Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I Eyford at 11:15.' details." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign character. convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell society." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "By train from Waterloo." served to weaken the effect. "Where, indeed?" "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand his huge brown hands. "Have you her photograph?" upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your observed. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "'Never,' said I. rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small married her." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I DAMAGE. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late following enigmatical notices: until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a himself. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Deserted you?" gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the come either from the window or the door. My attention was come either from the window or the door. My attention was branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "Well?" ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "Nothing?" hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. where she found matters as described by the last witness. "To an end?" done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited figure." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "That is possible." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "And now?" He raised his hand. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and what do you think they found in the pockets?" highroad, where all traces were lost. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back relief. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "Very well, sir. And this stone?" done what I asked you, Jones?" from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words do.' Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your danger is over." key of the affair now." it with his own hands." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten License. You must require such a user to return or to-night?' "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "Where, then, is my wife?" interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, 1.F. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the there." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "In the cells." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." about. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "'You cannot say what it was?' "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "What is it, then--a fire?" been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the key of the affair now." points to suicide?" "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the