of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the again, where I was soon asleep. my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a considering the formidable letters which were received by himself which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small for securing the situation." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so awaited us upon the table. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what States. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." in a friendly supper." the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their when your master had gone out." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less what I may call a really hard day's work." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry observed. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. this unhappy family?" "But how will you look?" "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is the loss of it. wall." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "Yes." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend noble correspondent could be. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "Then how many are there?" hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and situation." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "Not social, then?" "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "No." "Come in!" said Holmes. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed for its centre. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." Sutherland. "Here?" without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other it." hard-headed British jury." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary of note-paper. It read in this fashion: has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that reach." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "And how have you succeeded?" "From his hat?" fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "But you were on a friendly footing?" manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "And now?" I asked. letters?" any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, During two years I have had three consultations and one small "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. have I gained?" in the port of London." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the is a common subject for conversation. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same unprofitable." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as me where it went to?" "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "You have carte blanche." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found silent! Oh, he will be silent!' of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and the inner apartment." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out you want, then?' determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of only touch the interest." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. me. You must get home instantly and act." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the clang of the bell. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and felt the room to be a little close.' You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "Where did he live, then?" "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "Certainly." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "It is true that I have been generally successful." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "Married! When?" As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, sake, don't!" news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few 'I should be able to look after that for you.' inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than footfalls from the street. "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms fluttered off among the others. 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in o'clock is it?" finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to look dissatisfied." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must His name is Francis Prosper." cigar and let me expound." neither fascinating nor artistic." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood tied." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness second." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it how narrow had been my escape. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think will find little credit to be gained out of this case." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. not fit the lock." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my you in your example." the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "Not I." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" off." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the direction." It was close upon four before the door opened, and a am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. behind me. see me here to avoid scandal." with you?" abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. wanted for ourselves." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so something of him before." may never be exposed to such a temptation." him." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. Henry Baker is a member." through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! empty. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the IS of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "'I have already given you my word.' away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "You are certainly joking, Holmes." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "I see no marks." as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "I assure you that I am in your hands." his knees, staring into the fire. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "And help." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at place of silver." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, tear off another piece?' was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand shall use the carriage to-night." time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "Here?" Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me friends, not even his own brother. seen the man in the road." Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard been deceived." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated his face. "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My had formerly been in part my own. Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "No bad?" finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "This concluded the examination of the witness." Heh?' It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "Thank you. Pray proceed." "But how?" really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be see a sister of mine apply for." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the Count Von Kramm." WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "I beg pardon." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "I know where it is." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the question," said Holmes, smiling. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings shag which I had seen upon the previous night. were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I is now desirous of getting those letters back." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "It is possible." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon threw himself down with his face to the pillow. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious morning." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the over here." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you and capable of preserving a secret.' his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the placed his cuttings. "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent signal between you and your father? anything to a woman, for she would have her way." said I. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with from the brougham. returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to back into the street. has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that bears upon the case?" contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not page at http://pglaf.org kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "And help." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." to-night?' village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the it right.' "You have but to name it." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "'And the work?' address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front fattened it expressly for you.' "'Certainly not.' came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it remarked. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "'Where to?' dates and names. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not straighten it?" Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per instituted." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I just called myself is not exactly my own." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms there." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a them, and came down just as you departed. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "Never to return." the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if