Guided Sleep Meditation & Sleep Hypnosis from Sleep Cove - Sherlock Holmes and The Red-Headed League

Episode Date: July 28, 2020

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please go to sleepcove.com slash support. That's sleepcove.com slash support. If you can't support the show right now, please subscribe with a bell to get alerts on all new free content Thank you Have you ever gazed in wonder at the Great Pyramid Have you marvelled at the golden face of Tudankhamun

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and this episode is the full story of Sherlock Holmes and the red-headed lead. I hope you enjoy it. It's also available on my YouTube channel without music, if that's what you prefer. This episode is sponsored by Swanson Health. Swanson Health has been producing quality vitamins and supplements, foods, healthy home and self-care products for over 50 years since 1969, from the heart of of America. Swanson Health is the only company to offer the full spectrum of wellness products for body, mind and home. From quality vitamins and supplements to cruelty-free beauty items to eco-friendly

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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, I said. So am I very much so, he replied. Then I can wait in the next room, I said. Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner, Anne He said. 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, encircled eyes. Try the settee, said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and putting his fingers together as was as 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 was prompted you to chronicle, and, 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 was always far more daring than any effort. of the imagination. A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting. I replied, 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. Jabers Wilson here has been good enough to call upon me this morning and to begin a narrative which promised 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've heard, It is impossible for me to say whether the present case is an instant of crime or not, but the cause of events is certain 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 of 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 of the course of events, I am able to guide myself by the thousands of other similar cases, which occur 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 great coat. 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 average, commonplace British tradesmen Obese, pompous and slow He wore rather baggy grey shepherd's cheque cheque trousers A not over-clean black frock coat And buttoned 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. Although look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man, save his blazing red hair and the expression of extreme chargrin and his discontent upon his features. Sherlock Holmes's quick eye took him 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 point done manual labour and that he takes snuff and 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 labour? It's as true as gospel, for 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 your 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 breastpin. Of course I forgot that, but the writing? What else can be indicated but that right cuff?

So very shiny for five inches. and the left one with a smooth patch near the elbow when you rest it upon your desk. Well, but China, he replied. The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right wrist could have only 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 fish's 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. Omni Ignortem Pro-Manifico. You know, and my poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I am so candid. Can you find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson? Yes, I have got it now, he answered, with a thick red finger planted halfway down the column. Here it is. This is what began it all.

You just read it for yourself, sir. 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 red-headed men who are sound and body and mind and above the age of 21 are eligible, applying person on Monday at 11 o'clock to Duncan Ross at the offices of the league, seven popes court, Fleet Street. What on earth does that mean, I said, after had twice rid it over with extraordinary announcement. Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair,

as was his habit when in high spirits. It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it? said he. And now, Mr Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this advertisement had upon your fortunes. 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. I said. Very good. Now Mr Wilson, said Mr. Holmes. Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead.

I have a small pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square near the city. It's not a very large affair, and of late it has not done more than just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, but now I only keep one. and would have a job to pay him, but 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 what I am able to give him. But after all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head? Why indeed, said Holmes, you seem most fortunate to have 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 a 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 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'm a widower and never had any family we live very quietly sir for 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 Spaulding he came 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

red-headed man. Why that, I ask. Why, says he, here's another vacancy on the league of the red-headed men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who gets it, and I understand that there were more vacancies than there are men, so that the trustees are at that wits end what to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's a nice little crib already for me to step into. Why, what is it then? I asked. You see, Mr Holmes, I'm a very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of having it to go to it, I was often weeks at 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 ever heard of the League of the Red-Headed Men? He asked with his eyes open. Never, said Watson. Why, I wonder at 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 this made me prick at my ears, for the business had not been over good for some years, and an extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. Tell me 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,

Ezekiah Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself red-headed And he had a great sympathy For all red-headed men So when he died It was found that he'd left his enormous fortune In the hands of trustees

With instructions to apply the interest To the providing of easy births to men Whose hair is of that colour From all I hear it is splendid pay And very little to do But said I There would be millions of red-headed men Who would apply

Not as many as you 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've heard it is no use you're applying if your hair is light red or dark red or anything but real, bright, blazing, fiery red. Now if you are cared to apply,

Mr Wilson, you would just walk in, but perhaps it would hardly be worth your while to put yourself up the way for a sake of a few hundred pounds. Now it is a fat gentleman, so you may see for yourself that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed good to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter, I stood as good as a chance of 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 on holiday so we shut the business up and started off for the address that was given us in the advertisement I never hoped to see such a sight as that again Mr Holmes from north south east and west every man who had a shade of red hair had trampled his way into the city to answer the advertisement. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk

and Pope's court looked like a Costa 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 colour was there. Straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish setter, liver, clay but as Spalding said There were not many who had the real vivid flame-cutted lint Then I saw how many were waiting

I would have given it up in despair But Spalding would not hear of it How he did it I could not imagine But he pushed and pulled and buttered Until he got me through the crowd And right up the steps which led to the office There was a double steam upon the stair Some going up in hope

And some coming back dejected but we wedged up 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, read it 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 was willing to fill a vacancy in the league. And he is admirably suited for it, the other answered. He is every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so fine. He took a step backwards and 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 to said he. You will, however, I'm sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution. With that, he seized my hair in both hands and togged until I yelled with 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 a wigs and once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbless 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 disappointments came 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 family? I answered that I had not. His face fell immediately. Dear me, he said gravely, this is very serious indeed. I'm sorry to hear that. The fund, of course, for the propagation and spread of the redheads as well

as for their maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that he 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, I 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 favour 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 to 2. Now a pawnbroker's business has mostly done on the 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 you would see to anything that turned up. That would suit me very well, said I. And the pay? It's four pounds a week, he replied. And the work? It's 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 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 bit. And the work? It is to copy out the Encyclopedia Britannica. There is the first volume of it in the press.

You must find your own ink, pens and blotting paper, but 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 the evening I was in no spirits again, for I had quite persuaded myself that the whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud. Though what its object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past relief that anyone could make such a will, or they could 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'd reason 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 a quill pen and seven sheets of paper and 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 you were dropping from time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he bade 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 and every afternoon I left it too. By degrees Mr Duncan Ross took to coming in only once of a morning and then after a time he did not come in at all. Still of course I never dared to leave the room for an instant For I was not sure when he might come And the billet was soon a good one And suited me so well That I would not risk it for the loss of it

Eight weeks passed the way like this And I had written all about abbots Archery and armour And architecture And Attica And hope with diligence As I might get on to the bees Before very long

It cost me a lot in paper, and I had pretty nearly filled a shelf with my writings, and then suddenly the whole business came to an end. To an end, said Watson, yes sir, and no later than this morning, I went to my work as usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a little square of cardboard hammered onto the middle of the panel with a tack. Here it is, you can read it for yourself. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet of notepaper. It read in this fashion.

The red-headed league is dissolved. October the 9th, 1890. This episode is sponsored by Stitch Fix. Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service for men and women where an expert stylist picks clothes just for you based on your taste, style and price preferences and sends them straight to your door perfect if you want to discover something new

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Get styling tips from an expert and your stylist will give you ideas and how to wear the items that are sent to you. Get started with Stitch Fix today and support our podcast by going to Stitchfix.com.com. slash sleep right now. That's S-T-I-T-C-H-F-I-X.com.com.com-U-K-S-S-Sleep. To the story. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so completely overtopped every other consideration that we both burst out in 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 somewhere else. No, no, cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from which he had risen. I really wouldn't miss this case for the world. It is something refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you will excuse me saying so, something just a little funny about it. Pray, what steps did you take when he found the card upon the door?

I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called at the officers round, but none of them seemed 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 you could tell me what had become of the red-headed league. He said that he'd never heard of 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 red-headed man, he said? Yes. 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. He moved out yesterday. Where could I find him?

Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 19 King Edward Street, near St. Paul's. I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address, it was a manufacturing of artificial kneecaps, and no one in it had ever heard of Mr. William Marlowe's. or Mr. Duncan Ross. And what did he do then? asked Holmes.

I went home to Saxe-Kolberg 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 hear by post. But that was not quite good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place without a struggle. So, as I'd heard that you were good enough to give a judge, advice to poor folk, who were in need of it, I came right away to you. And you did very wisely, said Holmes. Your case is an exceedingly remarkable one,

and I shall be happy to look into it. From what you have told me, I think it is possible that graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear. Grave enough, said Mr. Jabal's Wilson, why I have lost four 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, to say nothing of the minute 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 it. 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 two and thirty pounds. We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you, said Holmes. And first one or two questions, Mr Wilson. This is a sainterfews who first called your attention to the advertisement. How long had he been with you. About a month then. How did he come to you? said Holmes. In answer to an advertisement, replied Wilson. Was he the only applicant? No, I had a dozen. Why did he pick him? Because he was handy and he would come cheap. At half wages, in fact. That's right. What is he like, this Vincent's bawling, said Holmes. He's small, stout built, quick in his ways, no hair on his face, though he's not short of thirty, has a white splash of acid upon his forehead.

Holmes sat up in his chair, inconsiderable 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. when he was a lad. Hmm, said Holmes, sinking back into deep thought, he is still with you? Oh yes, sir, I have only just left him. And your business has been attended in your absence? Nothing to complain of, sir.

There's never very much to do of a morning. That would 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 most mysterious business. As a rule, said Holmes, the most bizarre, a thing is the less mysterious it proves to be.

It is your commonplace, featureless crimes. rhymes 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. 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 a black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird I had 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 had made up his mind and put his pipe down upon the mantelpiece Sarasate plays at the same place

George's Hall this afternoon he remarked. What do you think, Watson? Could your patience spare you for a few hours? I had nothing to do today. My practice is never very absorbing, said Watson. 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. I want to introspect. Come along. We travelled by the underground as far as Aldersgate and a short walk took us to Saxe-Colberg 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-story brick houses looked out of into a small railing enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded laurel bushes made a hard fight against the smoke-laden and uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with Jebess Wilson in white letters upon a corner house announced the place where a red-headed

client carried on his business. He was home stopped in front of it with his head on one side and looked all over with his eyes, shining brightly between puckered lips. 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 a 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 come in. Thank you, said Holmes. I only wish 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 he walked away. He is, in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in love. London, and for daring I am not sure that he had not a claim 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 you inquired your way, merely in order, that you might see him. Not him, said Holmes. What then, replied Watson. the knees of his trousers. And what did you expect to see?

What I expected to see. Why did you beat the pavement? My dear doctor, this is not a time for observation, not for talk. We are spies in our enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Colberg 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-Colberg Square, presented as a great 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 northwest. The road was blocked with immense stream of commerce, flowing in a double-tied inward and outward, while the footpaths were black with a hurrying swarm of pedestrians. It was difficult to realise 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, said Holmes, standing in the corner and glancing along the line,

I should like to just 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 Colberg branch of the city and suburban bank, the vegetarian restaurant, and Mr MacFarlane's carriage building depot. That carries right onto 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 red-headed clients to vexers with their conundrums my friend was an enthusiastic musician

being himself not only a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All the afternoon he sat up in the stalls, wrapped up 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 alternatively asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction against their 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 enrapped in the music at St. James's Hall, I felt that an evil time might be coming upon us, whom he had set himself to hunt down. You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor, he remarked as we are not. 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, said Holmes. Why serious? replied Watson. 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.

And what time? said Watson. Ten will be early enough for applied homes. I shall be at Baker Street at 10, said Watson. Very well. And I say, Doctor, that there may be a little danger, so kindly put your arm your revolver in your pocket. He waved his hand, turned his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the crowd. I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard. I had seen what he had seen. And yet from his words it was evident that he saw clearly not only what had happened, but what was about to happen. Well, 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 red-headed copy of the encyclopedia, down to the visit to Saxe-Kulberg Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? Where will we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from Holmes that his smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a formidable man, a man who might play a deep game. I tried to puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair,

and set the matter aside until night should bring an explanation. It was quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my way across the park, And so through Oxford Street, two Baker Street, two hansoms were standing at the door, and 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 whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man with a shiny hat and, an oppressively respectable frock coat. Huh, our party is complete, said Holmes, butting up his pea jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack.

Watson, I think you know Mr Jones of Scotland Yard. Let me introduce you to Mr. Mary Weather, who is to be our companion in tonight's adventure. We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see, said Jones in his consequential way Our friend here is a wonderful man For starting a chase All he wants is an old dog

To help him do the running down I hope a wild goose May not prove to him The end of our chase Observed Mr Maryweather gloomily You may place considerable confidence Mr Holmes sir Said the police agent Loftily

He is 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 in that business of the Shultow murder and the Agar of Treasure, he has been more nearly correct than the official force. Oh, if you say so, Mr Jones, it is all right, said the stranger with deference. Still I confess that I miss my rubber. It is the first Saturday night for seven and twenty years that I have not had my rubber.

I think you will find, Sir Sherlock Holmes, that you will play for a higher stake tonight. Then you have ever done yet, and that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merriweather, the stake will be some £30,000. pounds, and for you, Jones, 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. Meriwether, but he is at the head of his profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man as John Clay, his grandfather, was a real duke and he himself has been to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his

fingers and though we meet signs of him at every turn we never know where to find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week 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 have the pleasure of introducing you tonight. I've had one or two turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is past ten, however, and quite time from when we started. If you two will take the first handsome, 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 gaslit streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. We are close there now, my friend remarked. This fellow Merriwether is a bank director and personally interested in the matter. I thought it as well to have Jones withers also. He is not a bit of a bit of him.

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. Maryweather, we passed down a narrow passage and threw a side door which he opened for us. Within there there was a small corridor which ended in a very massive iron gate. This also was opened and led down to a flight of winding stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate.

Mr Maryweather 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 vaultal 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 Maryweather, striking his stick upon the flags which line 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 home severely. You have already imperiled the whole success of our expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit upon one of those boxes and not to interfere? The solemn Mr. Merriweather perched himself upon a crate with a very injured expression upon his face,

while Holmes fell upon his knees upon the floor, and with a 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 and put his glass in his pocket. We have at least an hour before as 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 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. Meriwether is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to you, 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 occasion. some 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 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 the layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at present than is usually kept in a single breast. 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 have arranged our little plans. I expect that within an hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime, Mr. Merriweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern. And sit in the dark? I prayed so. I have bought a pack of cards in my pocket, and I thought that we were a party cari. 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 at first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do 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 place my revolver cocked upon the top of the wooden case Behind which I crouched Home shot the slide across the front of his lantern And left us in pitch darkness

such an absolute darkness as I have never 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 to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dangare of the vault. They have not one retreat, whispered her.

homes, that is back through the house into Sagskoldberg Square, I hope that you've done what I've have asked you, Jones. I have an inspector and two officers are 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 almost be gone and dawn be breaking above us my limbs were wary 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, signed note of the bank 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 down 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 centre 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 the dark again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between the stones. Its disappearance, however, was but momentary, with a loud, 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 handle of a handle of a longton. with a hand on either side of the aperture drew itself shoulder high and waist high until one knee rested upon the edge. 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? the bags. Great Scott, jump, Archie, jump. I'll swing for it. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the collar. The other dived down the hole and I heard the sound of cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came down on the man's wrist and the pistol clinked upon the stone floor. It's no use, John Glay, said Holmes blandly. You have no chance at all. So I see, the other whispered, with the utmost coolness. I fancy that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his coat-tails.

There are three men waiting for him at the door, said Holmes. Oh, indeed, you seem to have done the thing very completely. He responded, I must compliment you. And I, you, Holmes answered, your red-headed idea was very new and effective. You'll see your pal again presently, said Jones. He's 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, remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins, had the goodness also when you address me, always to say, sir, and please.

All right, said Jones with a stare and a snigger. Well, could 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 off in the custody of the detective. Really, Mr Holmes? said Mr. Maryweather, 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 of 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 Clay, said Holmes. I have been at some small expense over the, this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund. But beyond that, I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is 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 are the only possible object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of the league and the copying of the encyclopedia must be to get this not overly bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but really it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was no doubt suggested to clays' ingenious mind by the colour of his accomplice's hair. The four pounds a week was a lure which must draw him, and what was it to them?

They were playing for thousands. They published the advertisement. One rogue has the temporary office. The other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and together they managed to secure his absence every morning in the week. From the time that I heard of the assistant, having come for his half wages. It was obvious to me that he had strong motive

for securing the situation. But how can you guess what the motive was? Had there been women in the house? I should have suggested a mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The man's business was a small one and there was nothing in the house which could account for such elaborate preparations

and such an expenditure as they were paying. It must be then something out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's fondness for photography and his trick of vanishing into the cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then I made inquiries 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, I could think of nothing, save that he was running a tunnel to some other building. So far I had got 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 in front or behind. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell and

and 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 was what I wished to see. You must yourself have remarked how worn and wrinkled and stained they were. They spoke of the hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they were burrowing for. I walked round the corner and saw the city and suburb,

in bank abutted on my friend's premises and felt that I had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert, I called upon Scotten Yard and upon the chairman of the Bank of Directors with the result that you have seen. And how could you tell that they would make their attempt tonight, I asked. Well, when they closed their league's offices, there was a sign that they cared no longer about Mr Jebess's Wilson's presence. In other words,

they had completed their tunnel, but it was essential that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the bullion might be removed. 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 at night. 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 enwee, 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 help me do so. And you are a benefactor of the race.

said I. He shruged his shoulders. Well, perhaps after all it is some little use. He remarked, La Om Serene, La Ove Estu, as Gustav Leubert wrote to George Sand.