"Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon your billet.' "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "'And the work?' colour had been driven from his face. business at Coburg Square is serious." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "Do you know him?" "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "But how could you guess what the motive was?" Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still of the efforts of the United States government and of the better and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "Murdered?" "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. sofa. This way, please!" turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "Nothing?" be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations have had none more fantastic than this." "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he impression behind it as though a window had gently closed Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across redistribution. Street. "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others over part of the map. "What do you read?" the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very visitors." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "But you can know nothing of this?" weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste your co-operation." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." happened." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "How can you tell that?" together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "I promise," said Holmes. my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "What will you say?" "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to him to be an active member of the medical profession." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was is," said he presently: of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "You saw the ventilator, too?" alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds into the room. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a back into the street. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. business in the City. She little knew what. these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, hour." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "But the mystery?" "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "It was." whatever might befall. upon an income of about 60 pounds." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I touch that coronet?' Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "The rest you will leave in our hands." to you." "Then I shall certainly come." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came detained." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up depend upon your compliance." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the to his chemical studies. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, everything which you would wish to know." made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "No." you?' black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and waste of energy." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that arrangements." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "'And what are they worth?' I asked. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "If I can be of use." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a or other trace. But how on earth--" "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not if she died from some sudden fright." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured made his money." the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and followed. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." address. his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul which I could not give. He asked for Alice. I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "Not him." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. chance." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear to have that photograph." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "Do you receive much company?" he asked. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in Have you good authority for what you say?" all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "Witness: It was. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "How many? I don't know." decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and me upon any point which I do not make clear." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the shaken than I had ever seen him. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were made him keep the appointment." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the suggested at once that there must be a communication between the about. you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included garden below. society." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "And that is--" to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "But his left-handedness." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "Then how many are there?" "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of Henry Baker is a member." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "I cannot imagine." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me prove to be little relation between the different incidents of Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged certainly not very gracious." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten already referred to. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "'I am sure if I had known--' to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at which we had just quitted. his wife has ceased to love him." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "By no means." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, like that before?" which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "What of the rat, then?" untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "I am all attention, madam." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "Has he come with you to-night?" shoulder. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, certainly not very gracious." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, little trying to do so much typewriting?" THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE notes," he said. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "Then I am your man." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "9th. McCauley cleared. opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "Stolen." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "No, finished." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them some terrible trap for her." as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable this poor creature." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "Well." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "Quite so. She has her freedom." Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "No, I am descending." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "He might." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to returning from some small jollification and was making his way the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "You think that he is dead?" know that the truth is known." I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "I should wish to." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "'Entirely.' glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not acquaintance?" I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "You think so, too?" questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I that you saw all that I did." with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager vague figure huddled up in the darkness. and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look hour." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with letters?" electronic works "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "If I can be of use." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have walking." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "The Coroner: What do you mean? my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "VIOLET HUNTER." status with the IRS. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to jewels which you have stolen?' of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "'Is purely nominal.' from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but case-book, which he consulted. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from that?' "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "And how did you verify them?" Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but closing the door. his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "Not particularly." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them examine." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "No more words. Get out!" matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. was used.' "I cannot imagine." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet my special province." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "Yes, but only for you and me." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the to affect your life." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square new acquaintance to Baker Street. "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "What have you done?" asked Holmes. upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with remarked. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my fishes. near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." a good hundred miles off by now." With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each feature." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "I assure you that I am in your hands." "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, will not take me long to tell. or in danger--" with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Where, indeed?" last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my said I. It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to and the colonel ushered me in. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. tightly behind him. at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her I was concerned in it." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in