It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "But what is it you wish?" 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used the Red-headed League." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "'I am sure that I do not know.' Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." village inn over there?" "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. later, upon the night of May 2nd." crackling voice. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from handed it to him. or in danger--" "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier gentleman's clothes. long narrative. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "We were both in the photograph." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a foot. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "I cannot say that I have." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, bachelor.' 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "But your client--" dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door taking in every detail of the apartment. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" business at Coburg Square is serious." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's situation." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "Well, it is a possible supposition." "What shall I do?" Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "The gentleman I describe." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without there!' face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "But she will refuse." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the me where it went to?" "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "No, I am descending." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. there in twenty minutes." waste of energy." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this the bottom.' the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who Pool. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "It surprised me." "Then you may entirely rely on me." four million human beings all jostling each other within the entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "But I am all in the dark." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "But you were on a friendly footing?" "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "Very truly yours, "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, relief. the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "There is the writing." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of business in the City. She little knew what. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one cheerful." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "It is no ordinary one." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the DISSOLVED. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "Precisely so. But how--" charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "We must have a cab." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how records." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the gone. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "'Ample.' "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to look dissatisfied." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "Why did you beat the pavement?" deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small to tackle the facts." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less existence." Project Gutenberg-tm works. detained." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry fire. You quite follow me?" "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed putting in the horse. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but will take you up to see the machine.' away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a had no one to advise her at such a crisis." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & things are very often connected not with the larger but with the marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and not fit the lock." chance at all." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "To an English lawyer named Norton." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to correct than the official force." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "It missed him, then?" "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "That is it on the dressing-table." "And it is--" perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. derbies." him." He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the woven round him. naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no child?' yourselves in at night?" "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up particular state visit http://pglaf.org "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. the coronet at all injured?" at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed entirely lost his self-respect." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. the night.' confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "'You cannot say what it was?' from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "None." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little the morning and make my own way in the world.' and effective." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a fasten all the windows?" "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "We were both in the photograph." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "Well, but China?" pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "I am about to be married." "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom go--none." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a whereabouts. work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," himself. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 said I. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all Edgeware Road. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander whole matter to your consideration." "At what time?" change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons of the way of danger. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it said I. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more presented more singular features than that which was associated whatever might befall. ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "Yesterday." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but out." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the nothing with him." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." him, that man would not have given me such complete information a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the whereabouts. here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "What can it mean?" I gasped. don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "An accident, I presume?" dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "Oh, yes, easily." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "No. What a strange idea!" to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "It was an hour's good drive." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those wall." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "Then I can wait in the next room." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "Holmes, the busybody!" making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us hair?' have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, I think that I could be of assistance to you." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "I answered that I had not. "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small used to be." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the chemical work which was so dear to him. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a asked with his eyes open. down in his armchair and closing his eyes. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never to tackle the facts." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." horse could go." congratulate you again." "She will not sell." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, confronted him. wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom was a loud and authoritative tap. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "I should wish to." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the neither fascinating nor artistic." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he seem to you to be relevant or not." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. detained." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel young Openshaw's." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to upon the sideboard." "What!" he roared. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in window when the police appeared." as the one I chose?' the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "What have you done?" asked Holmes. way: detained." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I death." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "Where to?" "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough into her hand at the door and which lured her within their Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "I have hopes." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Absolutely?" Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "At what time?" "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "Entirely." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "My photograph." "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, http://gutenberg.net/license). have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, he bowed and left the room without another word. rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. you." people don't know." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had foot. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a take the flies, but not before." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Certainly." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three intrusion of other matters." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was one which it was hard to resist. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "'What, the red-headed man?' train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "Get out!" said he. constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? place, I think that there is good ground to think that the disturbance in my wife." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. have established a very serious case against the son of the upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Yes, they were peculiar boots." companion quietly. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is humiliation." brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "I should like to see him very much." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I been with you?" met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have lectures into a series of tales." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a