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this reading by kara schellenberg
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle adventure
number 2 the red-headed league
I had called upon my friend
Mr. Sherlock Holmes one day in the autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a very stout
florid-faced elderly gentleman with fiery red hair
With an apology for my intrusion
I was about to withdraw when Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door behind me
You could not possibly have come at a better time My dear Watson
he said cordially I
Was afraid that you were engaged
So I am very much so
Then I can wait in the next room
Not at all this gentleman. Mr
Wilson has been my partner and helper in many of my most successful
Cases and I have no doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also
The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of greeting
With a quick little questioning glance from his small fat and circled eyes
Try the settee said holmes relapsing into his armchair and putting his fingertips together as was his custom
when in judicial moods, I
Know My dear Watson that you share my love of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum routine of everyday life
You have shown your relish for it by the enthusiasm which has prompted you to Chronicle
If you will, excuse my saying so somewhat to embellish so many of my own little adventures
Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me I observed
You will remember that
I remarked the other day just before we went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary Sutherland that for strange
effects and extraordinary combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more daring than any effort of the imagination a
Proposition which I took the liberty of doubting
You did doctor but nonetheless you must come round to my view for otherwise
I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to be right
Now, mr
Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call upon me this morning and
To begin a narrative which promises to be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some time
You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique things are very often connected not with the larger
but with the smaller crimes and
Occasionally indeed where there is room for doubt whether any positive crime has been committed
As far as I have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present case is an instance of crime or not
But the course of events is certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to
Perhaps mr. Wilson you would have the great kindness to recommence your narrative
I ask you not merely because my friend, dr
Watson has not heard the opening part
But also because the peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every possible detail from your lips
As a rule when I have heard some slight indication in the course of events
I am able to guide myself by the thousands of other similar cases, which occurred to my memory
In the present instance. I am forced to admit that the facts are to the best of my belief unique
the portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some little pride and
Pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the inside pocket of his greatcoat
As he glanced down the advertisement
Column with his head thrust forward and the paper flattened out upon his knee
I took a good look at the man and endeavoured after the fashion of my companion
To read the indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. I
Did not gain very much. However by my inspection
our visitor bore every mark of being an average commonplace British tradesman obese
pompous and slow
He wore rather baggy grey shepherd's check trousers a not over-clean black frock-coat
unbuttoned in the front and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy albert chain and
A square pierced bit of metal dangling down as an ornament
A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him
all together
Look as I would there was nothing remarkable
about the man save his blazing red head and the expression of extreme chagrin and
discontent upon his features
Sherlock holmes's quick. I took in my occupation and he shook his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances
Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual labor that he takes snuff that he is a freemason
That he has been in China and that he has done a considerable amount of writing lately. I can deduce nothing else
Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair with his forefinger upon the paper but his eyes upon my companion
How in the name of good-fortune did you know all that? Mr. Holmes? He asked
How did you know for example that I did manual labor? It's as true as gospel before I began as a ship's carpenter
Your hands my dear, sir
Your right hand is quite a size larger than your left you have worked with it and the muscles are more developed
Well the snuff then and the Freemasonry
I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that especially
As rather against the strict rules of your order you use an arc and compass breast pit
Of course I forgot that but the writing
What else can be indicated by that right cuff
So very shiny for five inches and the left one with the smooth patch near the elbow. Are you rested upon the desk?
Well, but China
The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right wrist could only have been done in China
I have made a small study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature of the subject that
Trick of staining the fishes scales of a delicate pink is quite peculiar to China
When in addition I see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain the matter becomes even more simple
Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily
Well, I never said he I thought at first that you had done something clever
But I see that there was nothing in it after all
I begin to think Watson said Holmes that I make a mistake in explaining home. Neg notum Pro Magnifico
And my poor little reputation such as it is will suffer shipwrecked if I am so candid
Can you not find the advertisement? Mr. Wilson?
Yes, I have got it. Now. He answered with his thick red finger planted halfway down the column. Here it is
This is what began at all you just read it for
I took the paper from him and read as follows
To the red-headed league
on account of the bequest of the late ezekiah Hopkins of Lebanon, Pennsylvania
USA there is now another vacancy open which entitles
A member of the league to a salary of four pounds a week for purely nominal services
All redheaded men who are sound in body and mind and above the age of 21 years are eligible
apply in person on Monday at 11 o'clock to duncan ross and the offices of the league
7 Pope's court Fleet Street
I ejaculated after I had twice read over the extraordinary announced
Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair as was his habit 20 in high spirits
It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it Sammy and now mr
Wilson off you go at scratch and tell us all about yourself your household and the effect which this advertisement
You will first make a note doctor of the paper and the date
It is the morning chronicle of april 27 1890 just two months ago
Very good now, mr. Wilson
Well, it is just as I have been telling you. Mr. Sherlock Holmes said Jabez Wilson pumping his forehead
I have a small pawnbrokers business at Coburg square near the city
It's not a very large affair and of late years. It has not done more than just
I used to be able to keep two assistants, but now I only keep one
I would have a job to pay him, but that he is willing to come for half wages. So as to learn the business
What is the name of this obliging youth asked Sherlock Holmes
His name is Vincent Spaulding. And he's not such a youth either. It's hard to say his age
I should not wish a smarter assistant. Mr
Holmes and I know very well that he could better himself and earn twice but I am able to give him
But after all if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?
Why indeed you seem most fortunate in having an employee who comes under the full market price
It is not a common experience among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is not as remarkable as your advertisement
Oh
He has his faults too said mr. Wilson never was such a fellow for photography
Snapping away with a camera when he ought to be improving his mind
And then diving down into the cellar like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures that is his main fault
But on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice in him
He is still with you. I presume
Yes, sir. He and a girl of 14 who does a bit of simple cooking and keeps the place clean
That's all I have in the house for I am a widower and never had any family
We live very quietly sir the three of us
And we keep a roof over our heads and pay our debts if we do nothing more
The first thing that put us out was that advertisement?
spalling he came down into the office just this day eight weeks with this very paper in his hand and he says
I wish to the Lord. Mr. Wilson that I was a redheaded man
Why is that I asked
Why says he here's another vacancy on the redheaded man
It's worth quite a little fortune $2.99
If my hair would only change color here's a nice little crib all ready for me to step into
Why what is it then I asked you see mr. Holmes
I am a very stay-at-home man. And as my business came to me instead of my having to go to it
I was often three weeks on end without putting my foot over the doormat in that way
I didn't know much of what was going on outside and I was always glad of a bit of news
Have you never heard of the League of the redheaded men he asked with his eyes open never
Why I wonder it that for you are eligible yourself for one of the vacancies
and
What are they worth I asked Oh
Merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight and it need not interfere very much with one's other occupations
well, you can easily think that that made me pick up my ears for the business has not been over good for some years and
An extra couple of hundred would have been very handy
Tell me all about it said I
Well said he showing me the advertisement
You can see for yourself that the league has a vacancy and there is the address where you should apply for particulars
As far as I can make out the league was founded by an American millionaire as a kind of Hopkins
Who was very peculiar in his ways?
He was himself redheaded and he had a great sympathy for all redheaded men
So when he died, it was found that he had left his enormous fortune in the hands of trustees
With instructions to apply the interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of that color
From all I hear it has splendid pay and very little to do
But said, I there would be millions of redheaded men who would apply
Not so many as you might think he answered you see it is really confined to Londoners and to grown men
This American had started from London when he was young and he wanted to do the old town a good turn
Then again I have heard it is no use your applying if your hair is light red or dark red or anything but real bright
blazing fiery red
Now if you cared to apply, mr
Wilson you would just walk in but perhaps it would hardly be worth your while
to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a few hundred pounds
Now it is a fact gentlemen
As you may see for yourselves that my hair is of a very full and rich tint
So that it seemed to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter
I stood a good a chance as any man that I had ever met
Vincent Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might prove useful
So I just ordered him to put up the shutters for the day and to come right away with me
He was very willing to have a holiday
So we shut the business out and started off for the address that was given us in the advertisement. I
Never hope to see such a sight as that again, mr. Holmes from north south east and west
Every man who had a shade of red and his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement
Fleet Street was choked with redheaded folk and Pope's court looked like a coster's orange Barrow. I
Should not have thought there were so many in the whole country as were brought together by that single advertisement
Every shade of color they were straw lemon orange brick Irish Setter liver clay
But as spaulding said there were not many who had the real vivid flame-coloured tint
When I saw how many were waiting I would have given it up in despair
But Spaulding would not hear of it how he did it?
I could not imagine but he pushed and pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd and right up to the steps
Which led to the office?
There was a double stream upon the stair some going up in hope and some coming back dejected
But we wedged in as well as we could and soon found ourselves in the office
Your experience has been a most entertaining one
Remarked Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge pinch of snuff
Pray, continue your very interesting statement
There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs and a deal table behind
Which sat a small man with a head that was even redder than mine
He said a few words to each candidate as he came up and then he always managed to find some Fault in them
Which would disqualify them?
Getting a vacancy did not seem to be such a very easy matter after all
However, when our turn came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of the others and he closed the door
As we entered so that he might have a private word with us
This is mr. Jabez Wilson said my assistant and he is willing to fill a vacancy in the league
and
He is admirably suited for it
The other answer he has every requirement I cannot recall when I have seen anything so fine
He took a step backward cocked his head on one side and gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful
Then suddenly he plunged forward wrung my hand and congratulated
Me warmly on my success
It would be injustice to hesitate said he you will however I am sure excuse me for taking an obvious precaution
With that he seized my hair in both his hands and tugged until I yelled with the pain
There is water in your eyes said he as he released me I
Perceive that all is as it should be but we have to be careful for we have twice been deceived
By wigs and once by paint I could tell you tales of cobblers wax which would disgust you with human nature
He stepped over to the window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the vacancy was filled
a
Groan of disappointment came up from below and the folk all trooped away in different directions
Until there was not a redhead to be seen except my own and that of the manager
My name said he is mr. Duncan Ross and I am myself one of the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor
Are you a married man? Mr. Wilson? Have you a family? I?
answered that I had not
His face fell immediately
Dear me. He said gravely that is very serious indeed. I am sorry to hear you. Say that
The fund was of course for the propagation and spread of the redheads as well as for their maintenance
It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a bachelor
My face lengthened at this. Mr
Holmes for I thought that I was not to have the vacancy after all
But after thinking it over for a few minutes, he said that it would be all right
In the case of another said he the objection might be fatal
But we must stretch a point in favor of a man with such a head of hair as yours
When shall you be able to enter upon your new duties?
Well, it is a little awkward for I have a business already said I
Oh, never mind about that. Mr. Wilson said Vincent Spaulding. I should be able to look after that for you
What would be the hours I asked 10:00 to 2:00 now
A pawnbrokers business is mostly done of an evening. Mr
Holmes especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just before payday
So it would suit me very well to earn a little in the mornings besides
I knew that my assistant was a good man and that he would see to anything
That would suit me very well said I and the pay
its four pounds a week
and the work is
purely nominal
What do you call purely nominal?
Well, you have to be in the office or at least in the building the whole time if you leave you forfeit your whole position
Forever the will is very clear upon that point you don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office during that time
It's only four hours a day and I should not think of leaving said I
No, excuse will avail said mr. Duncan ross neither sickness nor business nor anything else there
you must stay or you lose your billet and
the work is
to copy out the Encyclopaedia Britannica
There is the first volume of it in that press you must find your own ink pens and blotting-paper
Can we provide this table and chair? Will you be ready tomorrow?
Certainly I answered
Then goodbye, mr. Jabez Wilson and let me congratulate you once more on the important position which you have been fortunate enough to gain
He bowed me out of the room and I went home with my assistant
Hardly, knowing what to say or do I was so pleased at my own good fortune
Well, I thought over the matter all day and by evening
I was in low spirits again before I had quite persuaded myself that the whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud
Though what it's object might be I could not imagine it
Seemed altogether past belief that anyone could make such a will or that they would pay such a sum for doing anything
So simple as copying out the Encyclopedia Britannica
Vincent Spaulding did what he could to cheer me up. But by bedtime I had reason to myself out of the whole thing
However in the morning, I determined to have a look at it
Anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink and with a quill pen and seven sheets of foolscap paper
I started off for Pope's Court
Well to my surprise and delight everything was as right as possible
The table was set out ready for me and mr. Duncan Ross was there to see that I got fairly to work
He started me off upon the letter a and then he left me
But he would drop in from time to time to see that all was right with me
That two o'clock. He made me good-day complimented
Me upon the amount that I had written and locked the door of the office after me
This went on day after day, mr. Holmes and on Saturday
The manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my week's work
It was the same next week and the same the week after every morning. I was there at 10:00 and
By degrees, mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only once of the morning and then after a time he did not
Of course
I never
Dared to leave the room for an instant for I was not sure when he might come and the billet
He was such a good one and suited me so well that I would not risk the possibility
8 weeks passed away like this and I had written about Abbot's and archery and
armour and architecture and Attica and hoped
With diligence that I might get on to the B's before very long
it cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly filled a shelf with my writings and
Then suddenly the whole business came to an end
To an end
Yes, sir, and no later than this more
I went to my work as usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and the locked
Of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the panel with attack. Here it is and you can read for yourself
He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet of notepaper
In this fashion, the red-headed league is dissolved
Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this Curt announcement and the rueful face behind it until the comical side of the affair
so completely
Every other consideration that we both burst out into a roar of laughter
I cannot see that there is anything very funny cried our client
Flushing up to the roots of his flaming head if you can do nothing better than laugh at me. I can go elsewhere
No, no cried Holmes shoving him back into the chair from which he had half. Risen. I
Really wouldn't miss your case for the world. It is most refreshingly unusual
But there is if you will excuse my saying so something just a little funny about it pray
What steps did you take when you found the card upon the door?
I was staggered sir. I did not know what to do
Then I call that the office is round but none of them seem to know anything about it
finally, I went to the landlord who is an accountant living on the ground floor and I asked him if he could tell me what
Had become of the red-headed league
He said that he had ever heard of any such body
Then I asked him who mr. Duncan Ross was
He answered that the name was new to him
Well said I the gentleman at number four what the redheaded man
Oh
Said he his name was William Morris
He was a solicitor and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new premises were ready
moved out yesterday
Where could I find him Oh
At his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes
17 in King Edward Street near st. Paul's
I started off mr
Holmes but when I got to that address it was a manufactory of artificial kneecaps
And no one in it had ever heard of either. Mr. William Morris or mr. Duncan Ross
And what did you do? Then asked Holmes?
Fine went home to saxe-coburg square and I took the advice of my assistant
But he could not help me in any way he could only say that if I waited I should here by a post that
Was not quite good enough. Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place without his struggle
So as I had heard that you were good enough to give advice to poor folk or in need. I came right away to you
And you get very wisely
And exceedingly remarkable one I shall be happy to look into
What you have told me I think
that rain producing stream
my first sight of here
Brave enough said mr. Jabez Wilson. I have lost 4 pound a week
As far as you are personally
concerned
remarked Holmes
I do not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary?
League on the contrary you are as I understand richer by some 30 pounds to say nothing of the minut knowledge
which you have gained on every subject which comes under the letter a
You have lost nothing by them
No, sir
but I want to find out about them and who they are and what their object was in playing this prank if it was a
Prank upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them for it cost them 2 and 30 pounds
We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you and first one or two questions, mr
Wilson this assistant of yours who first called your attention to the advertisement. How long had he been with you?
about a month and
How did he come in answer to an advertisement?
Was he the only applicant? No, I had a dozen
Why did you pick him?
Because he was handy and would come cheap
at half wages in fact
Yes
What does he like this Vincent Spaulding?
Small stout built very quick in his ways no hair on his face though. He's not short of 30
Has a white splash of acid upon his forehead
Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. I
Thought as much said he have you ever observed that his ears are pierced for earrings
Yes, sir, he told me that a gypsy had done it for him and he was allowed
Hum said hauls sinking back in deep thought
He is still with you. Oh, yes, sir. I have only just left him and
Has your business been attended to in your absence?
Nothing to complain of sir, there's never very much to do of a morning
That will do mr. Wilson
I shall be happy to give you an opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two
Today is Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion
Well Watson said Holmes when our visitor had left us, what do you make of it all I
Make nothing of it. I answered frankly. It is a most mysterious business
As a rule said Holmes the more bizarre a thing is the less mysterious it proves to be
It is your commonplace featureless crimes which are really puzzling
Just as a commonplace face is the most difficult to identify, but I must be prompt over this matter
What are you going to do then I asked
To smoke he answered. It is quite a three pipe problem and I beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes
he curled himself up in his chair with his thin knees drawn up to his hawk-like nose and
There he sat with his eyes closed and his black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird
I had to come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep and indeed was nodding
myself when he suddenly sprang out of his chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put
His pipe down upon the mantelpiece
Sara saw a plays at the st. James Hall this afternoon. He remarked. What do you think Watson?
Could your patients spare you for a few hours? I?
Have nothing to do today. My practice is never very absorbing
Then put on your hat and come I am going through the city first and we can have some lunch on the way
I observe that there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is rather more to my taste than Italian or French
It is introspective and I want to introspect come along
We travelled by the underground as far as Aldersgate and a short walk took us to saxe-coburg
Square the scene of the singular story which we had listened to in the morning
It was a pokey little shabby genteel place where four lines of dingy two-storied brick houses
Looked out into a small railed in enclosure where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded
Laurel bushes made a hard fight against a smoke laden and uncongenial atmosphere
Three gilt balls and a brown board with Jabez Wilson in white letters upon a corner house
Announced the place where our redheaded the client carried on his business
Sherlock Holmes stepped in front of it with his head on one side and looked it all over with his eyes shining brightly between
Then he walked slowly up the street and then down again to the corner still looking keenly at the houses
finally, he returned to the pawnbrokers and having thumped vigorously upon the pavement with his stick two or three times he
Went up to the door and knocked
It was instantly opened by a bright-looking clean-shaven young fellow who asked him to step in
Thank you said Holmes. I only wished to ask you how you would go from here to the Strand
Third right fourth left answered the assistant promptly closing the door
Smart fellow that observed Holmes as we walked away
He is in my judgment the fourth smartest man in London and for daring
I am Not sure that he has not acclaimed to be third. I have known something of him before
Evidently said I mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good deal in this mystery of the red-headed league
I am sure that you inquired your way merely in order that you might see him
Not him
quite then
the knees of his trousers
and
What did you see?
what I expected to see
Why did you beat the pavement?
My dear doctor this is a time for observation
not for talk
We are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of saxe-coburg square
Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it
The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the corner from the retired saxe-coburg square presented
As great a contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back
It was one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the city to the north and west
The roadway was blocked with the immense stream of Commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward
while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of pedestrians
It was difficult to realize as we looked at the line of fine shops
And stately business premises that they really abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant
Square which we had just quitted
Let me see at homes standing at the corner and glancing along the line
I should like just to remember the order of the houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of London
There is Mortimer's the tobacconist the little newspaper shop the Coburg branch of the city and Suburban bank the vegetarian
restaurant and McFarlane's carriage building depot
That carries us right on to the other block and now doctor we've done our work. So it's time we had some play a
sandwich and a cup of coffee and then off to
Violin land where all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony and there are no redheaded
Clients to vex us with their conundrums
My friend was an enthusiastic musician being himself
Not only a very capable performer, but a composer of no ordinary bird
All the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect happiness
gently waving his long thin fingers in time to the music while his gently
Smiling face and his languid dreamy eyes were as unlike those of holmes the sleuth-hound
Holmes, the relentless keen-witted ready handed criminal agent as it was possible to conceive
in
His singular character the dual nature alternately asserted itself and his extreme
Exactness and astuteness represented as I have often thought the reaction against the poetic and contemplative
Mood which occasionally predominated in him?
The swing of his nature took him from extreme languor to devouring
Energy, and as I knew well, he was never so truly formidable as when for days on end
He had been lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations
and his black-letter editions
Then it was that the lust of the chase would suddenly come upon him and that his brilliant
Reasoning power would rise to the level of intuition
Until those who were unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals
When I saw him that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at st. James's Hall
I felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set himself to hunt down
You want to go home? No doubt doctor he remarked as we emerged yes, it would be as well
And I have some business to do which will take some hours this business at Coburg square is serious
Why serious a
Considerable crime is in contemplation
I have every reason to believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But today being Saturday rather complicates matters
I shall want your help tonight
At what time
Ten will be early enough. I shall be at Baker Street at 10:00
Very well and I say doctor there may be some little danger
So kindly put your Army revolver in your pocket
waved his hand turned on his heel and
disappeared in an instant
I trust that I am NOT more dense than my neighbors
But I was always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings with Sherlock
Here I had heard what he had her
I had seen what he
And yet from his words it was evident that he is are clearly not only what had happened. But what was about to happen?
While to me the whole business was still confused and grotesque
As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought over it all from the extraordinary
story of the redheaded copier of the Encyclopaedia
Down to the visit at saxe-coburg Square and the ominous words with which he had parted from me
What was this nocturnal expedition and why should I go alarm? We're where we going
Faced pawnbrokers assistant was a formidable man a man who might play a deep game. I
Tried to puzzle it out the gave up in despair and set the matter aside until night should bring an explanation
It was a quarter past nine when I started from home and made my way across the park
Oxford Street Vegas
Two hand symbols were standing at the door. And as I entered the passage, I heard the sound of voices from above
On entering his room. I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men one of them I reckon
Peter Jones the official police agent
While the other was a long thin I'm faced with a very shiny hat and an impressively respectable frock-coat
Ha our party is completed said Holmes buttoning up his pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack
Thank you know, mr. Jones of Scotland Yard, let me introduce you to mr. Merryweather who is to be our companion in tonight's adventure
We're hunting in couples again doctor UC said
consequential way
Our friend here is a wonderful man for starting to chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him do the running down
I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase observed. Mr. Merriwether normally
You may place considerable
Confidence in mr. Holmes, sir said the police agents lawfully
He has his own little methods which are if you won't mind my saying so just a little too theoretical and fantastic
But he has the makings of a detective in him
It is not too much to say that once or twice as in that business of the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure
He has been more nearly correct than the official force
Oh if you say so mr. Jones it is alright said the stranger with difference
I confess that I miss my rubber
It is the first Saturday night for seven and 20 years that I have not had my rubber. I
Think you will find said Sherlock Holmes
That you will play for a higher stake tonight than you have ever done yet
That the play will be more exciting for you, mr. Merriwether
The stake will be some 30,000 pounds and for a huge challenge. It will be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands
John Clay the murderer thief Smasher and forger. He's a young man, mr. Merriwether, but he is at the head of his profession
And I would rather have my bracelets on him than on any criminal in London
Either of our cool man is young play
Grandfather was a royal Duke
Oxford his green is as cunning as and though he designs you never know where to find
He'll crack a crib in Scotland one and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next
I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him yet. I
Hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you tonight and I've had one or two little turns also with mr
Don clay and I agree with you that he is at the head of his profession it
Is past ten however and quite time that we started if you two will take the first hansom Watson
And I will follow in the second
Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative
During the long drive and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in the afternoon
We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit streets until we emerged into Farrington Street
We are closed there. Now my friend remarked. This fellow Merryweather is a bank director and personally interested in the matter
I thought it as well to have Jones with us awesome
He is not a bad fellow though an absolute imbecile in his profession
He has one positive virtue
He is as brave as a bulldog and as tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone
Here we are and they are waiting for us
We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had found ourselves in the morning our cabs were dismissed and
Following the guidance of mr. Merryweather. We passed down a narrow passage and through a side door which he opened for us
Within there was a small corridor which ended in a very massive iron grate
This also was opened and led down a flight of winding stone steps which terminated at another formidable gate
Mr. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern and then conducted us down a dark earth smelling passage
And so after opening a third door into a huge vault or cellar
Which was piled all round with crates and massive boxes
You are not very vulnerable from above Holmes remarked as he held up the lantern and gazed about him
Nor from below said Mr. Merryweather striking his stick upon the flags which lined the floor
Why dear me it sounds quite hollow. He remarked looking up in surprise. I
Must really ask you to be a little more quiet said Holmes severely you
Have already imperiled the whole success of our expedition
Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit down upon one of those boxes and not to interfere
The solemn mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate with a very injured expression upon his face
While Holmes fell upon his knees upon the floor and with the lantern and a magnifying lens
began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones a
Few seconds sufficed to satisfy him for he sprang to his feet again and put his glass in his pocket
We have at least an hour before us he remarked for they can hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed
Then they will not lose a minute for the sooner. They do their work the longer time they will have for their escape
We are at present doctor as no doubt
You have divined in the cellar of the city branch of one of the principal London banks
Mr. Merriwether is the chairman of directors and he will explain to you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of London should
Take a considerable interest in this cellar at present it
Is our French gold whispered the director we have had several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it
Your French gold
Yes, we had occasions on months ago to strengthen our resources and borrowed for that purpose
30,000 Napoleons from the Bank of France
It has become known that we have never had an occasion to unpack the money and that it is still lying in our cellar
The crate upon which I sit contains
2,000 Napoleons
packed between layers of lead foil
Our reserve of bullion is much larger at present than is usually kept in a single branch office and the directors have had misgivings
upon the subject
which were very well justified observed Holmes and
Now it is time that we arranged our little plans. I
Expect that within an hour matters will come to a head in the meantime, mr. Merryweather
We must put the screen over that dark Lantern
And sit in the dark I
Am afraid so I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket
And I thought that as we were a partie car a you might have your rubber after all
But I see that the enemy's preparations have gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light
And first of all, we must choose our positions
These are daring men and though we shall take them at a disadvantage. They may do us some harm unless we are careful
I shall stand behind this crate. And do you conceal yourselves behind those?
Then when I flash a light upon them close in swiftly if they fire Watson have no
Compunction about shooting them down. I
Placed my revolver cocked upon the top of the wooden case behind which I crouched
Shot the slide across the front of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness
Such an absolute darkness as I have never before experienced
the smell of hot metal remained to assure us that the light was still there ready to flash out at a moment's notice to
Me with my nerves worked up to a pitch of expectancy
There was something depressing and subduing in the sudden gloom and in the cold dank air of the vault
They have but one retreat whispered Holmes
That is back through the house into saxe-coburg square. I hope that you have done what I asked you Jones
I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door
Then we have stopped all the holes and now we must be silent and wait
What a time it seemed from comparing notes afterwards
It was but an hour and a quarter yet
It appeared to me that the night must have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us
My limbs were weary and stiff for I feared to change my position yet
My nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension and my hearing was so acute
That I could not only hear the gentle breathing of my companions
But I could distinguish the deeper heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin sighing note of the back director
From my position. I could look over the case in the direction of the floor
Suddenly my eyes caught the glint of a light
At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement
Then it lengthened out until it became a yellow line and then without any warning or sound a gash
Seemed to open and a hand appeared a white
Almost womanly hand which felt about in the center of the little area of light
For a minute or more the hand with its writhing fingers protruded
Out of the floor then it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared and all was dark again
Save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between the stones
Its disappearance however was but momentary
with a rending tearing sound one of the broad white stones turned over upon its side and
left a square gaping hole
through which streamed the light of a lantern
Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut boyish face
Which looked keenly about it and then with a hand on either side of the aperture drew itself shoulder-high and waist-high
Until one knee rested upon the end
In another instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after him a companion
Live and small like himself with a pale face and a shock of very red hair
It's all clear. He whispered. Have you the chisel and the bags Great Scott jump Archie jump and I'll swing for it
Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the color
The other dived down the hole and I heard the sound of rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts
The light flashed upon the barrel of a revolver
But Holmes's hunting crop came down on the man's wrist and the pistol clinked upon the stone floor
It's no use John clay said Holmes blandly you have no chance at all
So I see the other answered with the utmost coolness I
Fancy that my pal is alright though. I see you have got his coattails
There are three men waiting for him at the door said Holmes Oh
indeed you seem to have done the thing very completely I must compliment you and
I you balls answered. Your redheaded idea was very new and effective
You will see your pal again. Presently said Jones. He is quicker at climbing down holes than I am
Just hold out while I fix the derbies. I
Beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands
Remarketing our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists
You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins have the goodness
also when you address me always to say sir, and please
Alright said Jones with a stare and a snigger
Well, will you please sir March upstairs where we can get a cab to carry your highness to the police-station?
That is better said John Clay serenely
He made a sweeping bow to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the detective
Really mr. Holmes said mr. Merriwether as we followed them from the cellar
I do not know how the bank can thank you or repay you there is no doubt that you have detected and defeated
In the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience
I
Have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with mr. John claims and
I have been have some small expense over this matter, which I shall expect the bank
But beyond that
Repaid by having had an experience which is in many ways unique and by hearing the very remarkable
narrative of the red-headed league
You see Watson. He explained in the early hours of the morning as we sat over a glass of whiskey and soda in baker street
It was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible object of this rather fantastic
Business for the advertisement of the league and the copying of the encyclopedia must be to get this not over-bright pawnbroker
Out of the way for a number of hours every day
Was a curious way of managing it but really it would be difficult to suggest about her
The method was no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious
Mind by the colour of his accomplices hair. The four pounds a week was a lure which must draw him
Them who were playing for thousands?
They put in the advertisement
one rogue has the temporary office the other rogue incites the
Together they manage to secure his absence every morning week
From the time that I heard of the assistant having for half wages
It was obvious to me that he had some strong motive for securing the situation
But how could you guess what the motive was had?
There been a woman in the house. I should have suspected a mere vulgar intrigue
However was out of the question
the man's business was a small one and there was nothing in his house which could account for such elaborate preparations and
Such an expenditure as they were
It must better be something out of facts
What could it be? I?
Thought of the assistants fondness for photography and his trick of vanishing into the cellar
The seller there was the end of this tangled pool
then I made enquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I had to deal with one of the coolest and most
daring criminals in London
He was doing something in the cellar something which took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be once more?
Think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel to some other building
So far I had God when we went to visit the scene of action I
Surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind
It was not in front
Then I rang the bell and as I hoped the assistant answered it
We have had some skirmishes, but we had never set eyes upon each other before
I hardly looked at his face. His knees were what I wish to see you must yourself have remarked. How worn
wrinkled that stained they were
They spoke of those hours of burrowing
The only remaining point was what they were burrowing for. I walked around the corner
Saw the city and Suburban bank abutted on our friends premises and felt that I had solved
When you drove home after the concert
I called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank directors with the result that you have seen and
How could you tell that they would make their attempt tonight?
Well close their league offices that that they cared no longer about mr. Jabez Wilson
That they had completed
It was essential that they should use it so
Or in the bullion
Saturday would suit them better than any other day as it would give them two days for their escape
For all these reasons I expected them to come tonight
You reasoned it out beautifully
I exclaimed in unfeigned admiration it is so long a chain and yet every link rings true
It saved me from ennui he answered yawning
Alas, I already feel it closing in upon me
My life is spent in one long effort to escape from the commonplaces of existence
These little problems helped me to do so
And you are a benefactor of the race said I he shrugged his shoulders
Well, perhaps after all it is of some little use he remarked
Tom serían move say to as gustave flaubert wrote
to George sand
end of adventure number two
read by Kara Shallenberger
wwk org on September 24 2006 in Oceanside, California
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