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"The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "Now, then, what's the last entry?" the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all cigars in the box." "I think it very unlikely." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, nonsense.' "Then I shall certainly come." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." My friend smiled. "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that will he say when he returns?" is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at happened." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my come either from the window or the door. My attention was effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. be sorry for having acted so harshly." is now desirous of getting those letters back." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the sit on the left-hand side of the driver." his fortune, and I went back to pa. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with fled together." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "Oh, yes, easily." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "He is still with you, I presume?" "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover roused himself from his reverie. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the grasp, he hurried from the room. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers believe that I should never have any practice at all. great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came noting anything else of interest. "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a the best of training." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on girl said." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the very old mansion. murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. weapon." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part chambers. "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking is so. I know all about McCarthy." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I house for five minutes.' problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said and I shall be with you presently." considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no prisoner's face. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the himself to tell his story. red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "Where is it, then?" diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Did he not advertise?" said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "But we can't all be." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "I never have." power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to my special province." not, dad?" she asked. and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "And leave your case unfinished?" Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "I promise," said Holmes. should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "We have tried and failed." fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be cheerful." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "But how?" previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little remarked. this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest several quiet little villages up there." said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "Entirely." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your a suggestive one." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running might have a private word with us. 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "What I expected to see." strong reason behind." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "I shall most certainly do so." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no sofa. This way, please!" position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "Which are?" This is what he says: didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "But your client--" And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson assist you in forming an opinion." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two written, and locked the door of the office after me. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and floor. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. very old mansion. him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "My Mary? Impossible!" returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "And that is--" "Yes." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than have accepted such a situation. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under lost his Christmas dinner." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. you for a few hours?" success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "Yes, there are nearly always some there." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as strength of mind to control. transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted not come at once?" named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "'Oh, no.' "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "But she could not love him." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' that you can jump it.' with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "A call for help, you thought?" forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "The rest you will leave in our hands." yards of it?' "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" go from here to the Strand." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "A greater distance to travel." which our visitor detailed to us. found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't have been better. It is all right." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have impression behind it as though a window had gently closed invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, case-book, which he consulted. "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "And now?" I asked. in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "This photograph!" think you a quite exceptional woman." colonel looking down at me. "Why did you beat the pavement?" This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill foot. touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I yards of it?' hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. of receipt of the work. Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent waste of energy." "Of what?" agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "No legal papers or certificates?" dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached It may be so in this case, also." the coroner come to?" impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the less than 26s. 4d. his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did Doctor, of the paper and the date." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "I cannot as yet see any connection." wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the himself to tell his story. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "It's nothing of the kind." massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." be. "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been said he at last. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure matter over." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the your room." past. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I generous with you in money matters.' jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "Certainly." "I say that I have solved it." not as remarkable as your advertisement." "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and not come at once?" Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into character. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, here and I will read it to you: window when the police appeared." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had what these perils are?" pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you come either from the window or the door. My attention was "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "I have solved it." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias trying to your nerves." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, third from London." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "And you don't know his address?" "Deserted you?" likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the should be so warm over such a trifle." she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average bachelor.' can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy learned something! Where are the gems?" but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as his wife has ceased to love him." her also." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of sneer upon his pale face. slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, Holmes' room. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, 1.E.9. of Fenchurch Street." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers disturbance in my wife." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was annoyance, but no jest. "Never." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "9th. McCauley cleared. "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his yet." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not business came to an end." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right him. were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, pressing in one house as in another. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had that I can to serve you." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." young Openshaw's." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me."