LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "How do you know, then?" overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "You have but to name it." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest danger is over." "To an English lawyer named Norton." room had already been engaged for us. were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. imbecility!" he cried. "But how will you look?" he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his became a certainty. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "I think that it is very probable." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "And I say east," said my patient. "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "So I have heard." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "We have tried and failed." face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the had died away into the silence from which it rose. For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" our word." him to be an active member of the medical profession." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his wedding?" said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "Why serious?" "What is it?" sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "What, then, did Peterson do?" Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is did not hear it also.' A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. cigars in the box." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an simple cases which are so extremely difficult." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you envelope. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Entirely." St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "'Certainly,' I answered. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "And Miss Sutherland?" which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of is," said he presently: utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "No bad?" "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few words came to my lips. "What then?" from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy man. and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "There are none." "To an end?" "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man been lifted and conveyed somewhere." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." lamp. customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for beg that you will break it off." when your master had gone out." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "You have but to name it." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." dramatic, in fact." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is girl said." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. congenial hunt. "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back that threaten you." the loss of it. "One of the highest in England." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found depend upon my doing so.' gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he mysterious business." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his and all of them with the keenest interest. could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass telegram would bring me down to your help." light and attacked it." who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "Murdered?" occurred." the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "That is not always so easy." "We have tried and failed." the loss of it. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal you want, then?' the so-precious time, but come!' that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a ordinary clothes on?" perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, on re-entering her father's house?" shall use the carriage to-night." colour had been driven from his face. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "Thank you. Pray proceed." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most whether it answered to the description of any of their "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "Game for a morning drive?" sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. not, dad?" she asked. not, dad?" she asked. events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as come either from the window or the door. My attention was "By train from Waterloo." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for you." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." sooner or later she must fall a victim. no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "And help." of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my have had none more fantastic than this." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "I don't believe it." "A client, then?" set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too existence." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg test if we have an answer to our advertisement." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a is a common subject for conversation. relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily place no limit on the sum I may draw." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with shadow pass over his face as I spoke. scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "No more words. Get out!" There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, to that open window." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key writer." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked It may be so in this case, also." Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "In what way?" asked Holmes. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my individual and becomes the badge of a society." "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "I saw her in conversation with her maid." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to waste of energy." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Murdered?" "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "I say it is." "Nothing." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "It was." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "I don't believe it." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action young Openshaw's." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me side. emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated could not have written that. It is the German who is so Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite bird of prey. might have a private word with us. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of back alive. "Perhaps I have." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "He is still with you, I presume?" coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. relief. the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as Doctor, of the paper and the date." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of correct than the official force." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "I say that I have solved it." threw himself down with his face to the pillow. appeared upon the scene." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "BALLARAT." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "And how did you verify them?" you in yours." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "You forget that I know nothing about it." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. comes from the middle window." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." becomes even more simple." "Yes, it was twisted." sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a have established a very serious case against the son of the little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its quite distinctive." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck bell. Holmes whistled. lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "Yes, sir." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me to tell." there." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled went to the Alpha were town bred." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn yourselves in at night?" She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes window when the police appeared." have an American origin." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. golden eyeglasses. "Seven!" I answered. the bed, and you in that chair." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very the devil!" name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, the nursery. "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his completely overtopped every other consideration that we both and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "And sit in the dark?" Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." held up the lantern and gazed about him. hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "At what time?" here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." friends, not even his own brother. "A client, then?" and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was secret." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied Street. Miss Holder?" The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at himself to hunt down. appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" the morning and make my own way in the world.' wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the something of him before." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "I should like to see him very much." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "'Yes, sir.' And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 hard-headed British jury." side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to not, dad?" she asked. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to subject to the trademark license, especially commercial monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "Why, what do you mean?" it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "But how did you gain them?" "Yes, but only for you and me." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed breakfast." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was,