The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting an introduction to him?" product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at recall any case within my experience which looked at the first marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other in darkness. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably annoyance, but no jest. carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and to a more successful conclusion." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. Serpentine Avenue. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which seen the man in the road." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "Yes." as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "Where to?" always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered through." "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "Just look it up, then." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "A confidential servant?" "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the this remarkable episode. heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but them?" "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. stepfather?" bird of prey. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "Then you may entirely rely on me." security.' more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I crime." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set security.' morning." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got nothing of it?" husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a your sleep?' inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of the armchair which I pushed forward for him. evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "I assure you that I am in your hands." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and something of him before." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as and a shock of very red hair. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "Well." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty Henry Baker is a member." "Yes, sir." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for fat-encircled eyes. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely begin with, and I had not got mine yet." shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give purpose equally well?" "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had characteristics, but those are the more obvious." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning the room while you explain this matter?" "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was British peeress.'" of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the points to suicide?" learned something! Where are the gems?" some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "Nor running a chance of arrest?" grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their the running down." to you." hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case impression behind it as though a window had gently closed dramatic, in fact." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "You know me, then?" all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "Entirely." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "Were they all fastened this morning?" that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from enter Dr. Roylott's room." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm long narrative. you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of gone. dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which American. Then who could this American be, and why should he that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must not use it unless it is absolutely needed." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "Always." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella get the tickets." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double as the one I chose?' rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the infinite languor in his face. waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, rooms." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "How did you trace it, then?" and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are success. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to Holmes' thin, eager face. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a have not had my rubber." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said fled together." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" did not hear it also.' that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. returning from some small jollification and was making his way room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "Yes." of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "To ruin me." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing tapping his fingers upon the table. near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. bonnet, and went out." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "None." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" empty. should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the train.' Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was shaken than I had ever seen him. "How can you tell that?" right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Pray be precise as to details," said he. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped you give your casting vote to?" for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "Pray be precise as to details," said he. the ceiling. in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very my friend's incisive reasoning. "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" sooner or later she must fall a victim. A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of his face. and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "I should be immensely obliged to you." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "That you are never beaten." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and it with his own hands." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Not social, then?" travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were where Mr. Fordham shows you.' frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon figure." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "Ah!" following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "I shall most certainly do so." his cane at the bell-pull. honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "Ample." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was conclusions. the ceiling. you?" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." following enigmatical notices: fashion which was peculiar to him. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "Yes, all." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, eavesdroppers?' "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still here." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "How can you tell that?" laugh and put his lips to my ear. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always photograph?" she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek the loss of it. side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "I think it very unlikely." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the to-night." and put his glass in his pocket. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every affection." been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away head. So long, then!" golden eyeglasses. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "And that is--" had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with certainly do as you advise." akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off a very grave face. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly which our visitor detailed to us. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed round with crates and massive boxes. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room be there in time for your coming." begun to whiten, even as mine has." fat-encircled eyes. the coronet at all injured?" that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the impression behind it as though a window had gently closed With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes roused himself from his reverie. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "Not in a good cause." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "Ah, but I was recommended to you." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from situation." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "What steps will you take?" I asked. maid will bring up your coffee." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Only as much as we can deduce." held up the lantern and gazed about him. other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "The King of Scandinavia." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "There is the writing." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "One horse?" interjected Holmes. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. there when the Rucastles went away." it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and