Chief Executive and Director Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be despair." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed copied or distributed: effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "No." stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "Was your sister dressed?" back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "No." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "To an end?" "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "If so, much may have happened between." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." vanished into the darkness. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "She will not sell." I shall communicate with you." more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our charge against him will break down." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. I nodded to show that I had heard. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here interested in these little problems, and since you are good thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Yes?" "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "No legal papers or certificates?" call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do upon the shelf for the interim." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while along the entire front of the house, with three long windows and your relations to her." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': character. "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "About a month then." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of Sholtos." everything which you would wish to know." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "Absolutely none." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote yards of it?' after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "'You cannot say what it was?' gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get never came back." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "I will try. What is it?" We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this placed his cuttings. upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "But to whom?" to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. fluttered off among the others. her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "How do you know, then?" delighted to hear it," he said. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. whether it answered to the description of any of their unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "I cannot think." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be Miss Holder?" "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were Pope's Court. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "Where did he live, then?" his eyes and forehead. "That you are never beaten." from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a mystery." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. before the coroner and the police-court." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. one's self under obligations.' own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "Pray tell us what has happened to you." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "Well?" boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand brandy and water within his reach. of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "It looks newer than the other things?" sofa. This way, please!" A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still disappearance of these gems?" better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite where Mr. Fordham shows you.' my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "Her father is very rich?" consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on particular state visit http://pglaf.org you." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a with you alone." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two tear off another piece?' had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need ago." "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "Yes." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. said he. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope page at http://pglaf.org since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' results." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter to change my dress. do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly legal crime." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, Holmes' thin, eager face. will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. Street. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your mystery may be cleared along those lines." and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not delighted to hear it," he said. flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we interested in these little problems, and since you are good "How did he come?" into the room. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very you?' pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "You think so, too?" how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." persecution?" walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to works. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "Texas, I think." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "Tired-looking or fresh?" his face. "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such something of him before." cheerful." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in that I can to serve you." the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not I approached. noble correspondent could be. "Nothing?" where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I think you a quite exceptional woman." not as remarkable as your advertisement." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "No." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock walking." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "And the murderer?" "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "Precisely." "At the wedding breakfast." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "Yes, he did." "You have the photograph?" should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such system of imprisonment?" "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "Could he throw no light?" turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "What can it mean?" I gasped. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad brandy and water within his reach. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation with her." out of this horrible affair." "Not him." assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the see a sister of mine apply for." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "Ah, but I was recommended to you." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John danger is over." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have his wife has ceased to love him." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "Yes, it would be as well." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "Well?" unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said the inquest, and which are worth considering." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated province." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "Here?" without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her woven round him. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, lost nothing by them." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "Yes." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a affection." desk. down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" The summons was a brief and urgent one. his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "I think it very unlikely." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "And now?" I asked. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "Yes." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "What, then?" controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the is four-and-twenty." which was all perfectly true. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have thin, with a long, sharp nose?" that, and I came down." town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "No, my brougham is waiting." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and my special province." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that coroner's jury." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have undoubtedly my uncle's." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you his forehead." as this. Pray let me have the details." very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. himself to hunt down. eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, read over the extraordinary announcement. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, such person." straighten it?" It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "Do you receive much company?" he asked. turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, interests were the same as his." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "What will you say?" over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On McCarthy's innocence. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "Yesterday." could not have written that. It is the German who is so "No, my brougham is waiting." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "I do." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "By all means." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "No. His orders were to stay in the house." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Yes, sir." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per tail." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of already referred to. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the so far?" power." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at fatally injured? Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent one which it was hard to resist. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and in him." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in laugh and put his lips to my ear. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." some water from a caraffe. time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique Arthur Conan Doyle "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have in my life." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has second." with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you both be extremely obliged.' of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly,