multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were that I may have something better before very many minutes are would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all and wait." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project may never be exposed to such a temptation." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have the so-precious time, but come!' my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately the matter." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. matter over." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been look dissatisfied." him. fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm tell them apart.' that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the weigh very heavily upon my conscience." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and vague figure huddled up in the darkness. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "How long did she speak to this Alice?" carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "I fear not." me have 200 pounds?' freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as the room while you explain this matter?" and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these one which it was hard to resist. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the dear old homesteads?" grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "What?" "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to My friend smiled. for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "Not in the least." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "If so, much may have happened between." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear society." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given them?" "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "Well, it is a possible supposition." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her appeal." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a spark where all is dark to me." late." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." shall not find me ungrateful." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" and glanced through. "The doctor?" Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "'What are you doing there?' he asked. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "And now?" I asked. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are your troubles." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "Was there a secret marriage?" and effective." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have were wasted." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, thirty. to arrive at through this?" fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "And how did you find out?" "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "I beg pardon." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress sake, don't!" "And I say east," said my patient. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would His name is Francis Prosper." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "So I heard. You have him here?" admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "Who was the criminal, then?" to talk it over. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "You are certainly joking, Holmes." returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right have had none more fantastic than this." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very mystery!" "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near when you have done it." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, weigh very heavily upon my conscience." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, in the dead of the night?' latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "And how?" down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "And help." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found him to be an active member of the medical profession." for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He gone. wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all of the efforts of the United States government and of the better friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my tail." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the and all of them with the keenest interest. infinite languor in his face. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a IS of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, indeed happy." "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of redistribution. do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could examination of the premises, but without finding anything which air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "It's nothing of the kind." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the were new raised from a basin. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the hair?' answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "That is easily got." "Eh? What was that?" thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I your Highness to the police-station?" ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "'What would be the hours?' I asked. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he an introduction to him?" not, dad?" she asked. work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "Where did you address your letters, then?" any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "Dr. Becher's." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." shoulder; "he's all right." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. felt the room to be a little close.' gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. in my life." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with Young McCarthy must be got off, however." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." night.' said he. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the outside." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be shaken than I had ever seen him. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we mystery may be cleared along those lines." was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "What then?" and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His annoyance, but no jest. Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few it." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "I am to be neutral?" left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without are windows in it, of course?" "And why?" "And leave your case unfinished?" to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." rat could hardly pass through." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "But of what society?" quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Very much so." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet shaken than I had ever seen him. then?" when your master had gone out." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE weary and pale-looking. disappearance of the bride.'" Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight impression behind it as though a window had gently closed since then to throw any light upon what became of him." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for opened the door, and slipped through. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had is four-and-twenty." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those unprecedented a position." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "Just look it up, then." glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. felt?" but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to think you a quite exceptional woman." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow in a friendly supper." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of of the efforts of the United States government and of the better for securing the situation." mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were business came to an end." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel your troubles." to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs have I gained?" outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "'Stolen!' he cried. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "9th. McCauley cleared. Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried ashen face. characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, she to prove their authenticity?" of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "'Then let me do so?' the coronet in his hands?" "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who whether it answered to the description of any of their Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what IS husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "Pray tell us what has happened to you." what I may call a really hard day's work." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and hopeless attempt at recovering them." the running down." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "'I have heard so.' vague figure huddled up in the darkness. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "We must sit without light. He would see it through the that?' noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. my former friend and companion. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss this unhappy family?" "Oh, the cause is excellent!" framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, during the last few years, and there are many noble families to who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "No." bonnet, and went out." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water,